Question

Name the technique to obtain multiple copies of a DNA segment of interest, synthesized in vitro. Name two sets of primers that are necessary for reaction to occur. Mention three diagnostic application of this technique.

Answer 1

The technique used to obtain multiple copies of a DNA segment synthesized in vitro is called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). It requires two sets of primers: forward and reverse primers, which are short chemically synthesized oligonucleotides complementary to the target DNA regions. PCR involves repeated cycles of denaturation, annealing of primers, and extension by DNA polymerase to amplify the DNA segment.

Diagnostic applications of PCR include:

1. Studying DNA polymorphism and marker-trait associations.
2. Confirming the presence of transferred genes.
3. DNA fingerprinting for individual identification or germplasm characterization.